Cars for a Cure returns April 4-5

Roberto Alonso died from a rare cancer nearly seven years ago, but the memory of Miami Lakes’ first vice mayor lives on through his children and their sixth annual Cars for a Cure fundraising events that will happen on Main Street the weekend of April 4.
“This is to remember my father, and continue the fight,” said Robert Alonso, Jr. at a kickoff party at the Main Street Playhouse on Feb. 25.
That’s when he and his family thanked those who have supported their efforts to fund research toward a cure for the disease during the past five years.
The elder Alonso was diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma after feeling pain in his gut.
The cancer had spread to major organs and he was told he had three months to live, his son said.
“UM bought him another 16 months, and he was able to travel with my mother and spend time with his grandchildren,” Alonso said.
And since Alonso’s death at age 64 in 2013, the volunteers have donated money raised from the car shows to the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The university says it is one of 71 national cancer centers in the United States, meaning that it can give patients access to clinical trials, the latest research and advanced care.
Alonso estimated that more than $130,000 has been raised toward the cause over the years.
The car show was inspired by his father’s fight against the disease and from his love of cars.
The elder Alonso cherished his cherry red, 1964 Chevelle Super Sport.
This year there will be a few changes to the weekend, in part, Alonso said, “because everyone you talk to has been impacted by cancer, one way or another.”
And that includes a child with ties to Miami Lakes, Jakey Duque, who was diagnosed with cancer in his brain stem at age 4 and is being treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
Proceeds from the show – car owners will be asked to donate $20 and there is a $20 donation to enjoy the beer garden -- will go toward Alex’s Place, a pediatric outpatient clinic at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
There will also be a celebration of life, when those who have overcome the disease or are still fighting it can dance at a survivor’s concert.
It will be held on Main Street at New Barn Road on Saturday, April 4th, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
A band called Mantrap, singer and musician Carlos Oliva and other artists will perform disco, funk, pop and Latin tunes.
General admission is free, and food and drinks will be for sale.
On Sunday, April 5th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., some of South Florida’s most gorgeous classic cars will be on display along Main Street.
Last year drew more than 300 owners who showed off their wheels.
Alonso thanked Carol Graham Wyllie, executive vice president of commercial properties and her husband, and Stuart S. Wyllie, president and chief executive officer, both of The Graham Companies, for their support from the very first year of the event.
“Stu and Carol were incredible and said, ‘Yeah, whatever you guys need, Main Street is yours,’” Alonso said. “So we’re very thankful for The Graham Companies.”
Other sponsors include ZIAMI Rum and
Anacapri restaurant.
To register a car go to WWW.MLCarsforaCure.com.